What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to estimate the population of black stars in the Milky Way and identify potential LMXB candidates.

May 26, 2026Open Access

P67: Black Star Population in the Milky Way — IMF-Based Estimate and LMXB Candidate Survey

Key Points

This research aims to estimate the population of black stars in the Milky Way and identify potential LMXB candidates.
Used Salpeter IMF and stellar evolution models for calculations.
Estimated black star population based on a Galactic supernova rate of 0.02 yr⁻¹.
Conducted a four-criterion LMXB survey to identify candidates.
Estimated ~1.5×10⁷ black stars in the Milky Way, accounting for ~15% of stellar black holes.
Predicted ~10 objects among known LMXBs as black star candidates.
4U 1957+11 is identified as the strongest candidate according to survey criteria.

Abstract

We estimate the population of CCEGA black stars in the Milky Way using the Salpeter IMF and stellar evolution models. Stars with ZAMS mass 14. 7–22. 3 M☉ produce remnants in the black star regime 4. 56–14. 75 M☉. With a Galactic supernova rate of 0. 02 yr⁻¹ and ~15% producing black stars, we estimate NBS ~ 1. 5×10⁷ black stars in the Milky Way, ~15% of the estimated stellar black hole population. Among known LMXBs, ~10 objects are predicted to be black star candidates. 4U 1957+11 remains the strongest. A four-criterion LMXB survey (no quiescence, absent radio jet, absent Type I bursts, Λ > 0) provides a population-level falsification test. Uncertainty factor ~3.

P67: Black Star Population in the Milky Way — IMF-Based Estimate and LMXB Candidate Survey

Key Points

Abstract

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